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Democrats, Republicans argue on what Hagel endorsement means

Polls show the race tightening up between Bob Kerrey and Deb Fischer, and with just a few days left before the election, candidates are reeling in all the endorsements they can get.

On Thursday, former Sen. Chuck Hagel put his support behind Bob Kerrey. Of course, Republicans and Democrats disagree about what this means for the race.

Hagel said Kerrey is the best candidate to serve Nebraskans in the U.S. Senate. Hagel said Kerrey didn't ask for his endorsement, but rather, Hagel offered it.

"He brings people together," Hagel said. "And yes, he steps outside of his party as I stepped outside of my party. But that's the only way you can fix problems in a Democracy."

Republicans said this endorsement isn't about two parties working together. Some argue it's about two Washington insiders supporting each other, saying Hagel is not an example of a good Republican.

"He has also been working with the Obama administration, so I'm really not surprised by his endorsement of Mr. Kerrey," Fischer said.

One political expert said he isn’t surprised and isn’t sure the endorsement even matters.

“At this point, so late in the game, just adding more names so you have a longer list of endorsements isn't going to make a difference for the outcome,” said Greg Petrow, political science professor at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

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